road

    crave short day trips to find treasures to give your home soul ..........
        while visiting the following stores you will
            enjoy the soothing sounds of the calming gardens,
                find gently worn keepsakes, and stroll back into
                   yesteryear!

Kountry Krafts- Straight East out of Denver to V56, at Wapsie Valley High School turn North for 1/2 mile and you will come to a quaint little shop located on an acreage. This old farmhouse, once converted to a chicken coop, and now as the shop known as Kountry Krafts is open year round! With handmade consignment of over 50 full time crafters. Regular hours Tues-Sat (10-5) 319-638-7044

Country Roads: features birdbaths & feeders, sun dials, yard candles, primitive tins, wind chimes, & decorative iron pieces. Unusual & unique handmade willow furniture & decorative clay pots are our speciality. New this spring: succulent & hanging plants, bedding plants and geraniums (including scented). Lyle is open Thurs. - Sat (9-4) (or by appt. or chance). We welcome orders. 1129 150th St. 319-635-2929
e:mail: jkchase@iowatelecom.net

Do you love toy tractors? Well then, you need to check out all the farm toys at n Lamont. Your toy equipment dealer from the sandbox to the shelf, Bossen Implement has a full line of farm toys for all miniature farmers. They carry all brands of toys from Avery to Zeter. All scales from 1/128 to 1/8. Tractors, implements, books, Construction models, Trucks, Pedal Tractors, and even Preschool Farm Toys, building sets and accessories can be found at Bossen Implement, be sure to stop, this is a unique farm toy store you must see! (Hwy 187 So.)319-924-2880

Common Grounds is a coffee house run by volunteers from Lamont churches. A menu that includes sandwiches, soups & desserts. Open M-F (6-3) & Sat morn (7-10) 563-924-2361

Country Ala Mode is located in a 1857 Baptist Church. One of the largest Boyd's Bears dealers in Iowa with 3 floors of bears, hares and friends. A gold paw dealer for Boyd's resin and a platinum dealer for Boyd's plush- we carry a complete line of plush, resin, porcelain dolls and accessories! Refreshingly rustic describes many items in our shop like the new fruit jar lamps.

A dealer for Manual Woodworker company and we carry candles made in Iowa.
Lila is open Tues-Sat 9-4:00 (or by chance) 301 Main St. 319-634-3822 Located south of Hwy 3 or 10 miles North of Hwy 20 on W45 is Aurora. It is known as "The little town, that's a bit old fashioned!"
Spring Open House: March 26th, 27th and 28th
alamode@netins.net http://www.countryalamode.com

Silver Scissors (a day spa & salon) Plan a day to pamper yourself or make it a gift for that special someone. Facials, pedicures, manicures, full body massage, Elegant glass Nails, or for that wonderful relaxed feeling try a "Juice Bar" head massage. Massage therapist Merry Stover, takes appointments on Tuesdays & Fridays. Hour & half hour times available. (307 Prospect Street) 319-634-3384 email: jajalu@netins.net Web site: http://www.thesilverscissors.com

Located in a 1930"s grocery store. Filled with wonderful items that are one-of-a-kind. A great selection of Home Decor, rugs, primiitive furniture, soy candles by The Flame Candle Works, Rowe Pottery, silk flowers, prints by Larry Erickson Images Limited Edition, Zoppini Charm Braclets,

and a line of fine antiques.
Children's hand painted furniture
by
"A Touch of Whimsey",
stuffed animals, books, toys & old fashioned candy can also be found.
A variety of unique items that are "Made in Iowa" by "Iowa Artisans. Stop & visit with Terri and Bev, you'll be glad you did. Hours: Tue - Sat (10-4) or by chance. 329 Main St. 319-634-3300

Laree's is a unique gift shop that had the distinction of being nominated for the top 100 "Retailers of American Craft" for- two years. Laree's looks for the artistic, unique & affordable in the local market with the majority being made by American artisans. You will find a wide array of gifts for all ages, including wooden puzzle boxes, pottery, kaleidoscopes, art glass, unusual musical items (thumb pianos, zithers, handmade flutes), jewelry, gourmet foods, San Francisco Music Box Co. pieces, Williraye & David Frykman collectibles and a wonderful children's corner. The new gallery addition allows for a great display of Story People prints & sculptures. An artistic emporium with nostalgia flair, promoting talented American Artisans. Open seven days a week. 306 First St E 319-334-6703 email: larees@trxinc.com

The Little Red Schoolhouse -Oh, the wonderful discoveries to be found inside this charming setting. You will enjoy browsing through the cozy rooms featuring several lines of fine country furniture. unique lamps, aged quilts and clocks, old world pewter, hand thrown pottery, rich greenery and flowers, and an impressive selection of pictures and shelves. Your purchases will enhance your home with warmth and quality. New shipments arrive daily so you'll want to visit often. Monthly events feature seasonal decor, call for a complete calendar of events. 1300 First St W 319-334-7199. We are open seven days a week. Mon-Sat 10-5 Sundays (12-4)

"In The Country Garden & Gifts" is a specialty garden and gift shop located just off Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd. (W35) between Independence and Quasqueton. Backyard water gardens

have become very popular in the past few years. They have been water gardening for more than 11 years and have everything you need to create your own aquatic oasis just outside your backdoor. They have the largest
selection of water plants in Eastern Iowa. Hosta collectors can choose from the 300 varieties on display. Their gift shop offers homespun crafts, stainless steel gazing globes, and all the little things that make a garden special.
319-334-6593 jspece@sbtek.net
http://www.inthecountrygardenandgifts.com

BUCHANAN COUNTRY VISITORS CENTER:
Located at the Illinois Central Railroad Depot at 1115 5th Ave. NE. Open May thru October by volunteers - weekends only. Hours 12 to 4. Tours available. Call 319-334-3439. Leave a message.

Norton's presents "A Day in the Country" fall "Garden Party". A unique shopping and dining experience, featuring theme buildings including: Log cabin, chicken coop, old schoolhouse, pole barn, farmhouse, dollhouse and a Tea Room, nestled in rural Edgewood, Iowa. This special event is only open two week ends in the spring and again in the fall. Spring 2004 dates are May7,8, 9,14,15,16. Hours are Fri- Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5. Sneak Peak is May 6th from 11-4. ($5.00 admission for sneak peek) Don't miss out on this wonderful event. 33748 Littleport Rd, Email nortons@alpinecom.net 563-245-1613 or check it out on www.day-in-the-country.com (then click on the ad)

Maps are available at all the business listed. above. Or you can go to this link for directions! Join email lists below!

Sign the mailing and email list at these merchants to receive future mailings and updates!

Lila@Country ALAmode
Copyright � 1999 by [CountryAlamode]. All rights reserved.

Aurora's Spring Open House!!

A little town that's a bit old fashioned

Aurora, Iowa

Mark the dates, March 26th, 27th and 28th, 2004, on your calendar and plan to come to

Aurora's "Signs of the Past" Open House.

Old fashioned street lights line Aurora's Main Street providing the nostalgic setting, whether strolling on Main or driving through.

The old hardware store located on Main is filled with items from Aurora's early years. The

Historical Society has brought many signs of the past back for you to enjoy.

Crossing the street to the corner of Main and Prospect is Country ALAmode, originally a

Baptist Church. The original altar, pews, wood flooring and windows (converted into display

units) are all signs of the past. Collectors from miles around come to this Gold Paw Dealer for Boyds Bears, Hares and Friends. Speaking of signs of the past, 2002 was the 100th year of the Teddy Bear! What a perfect blend of the old and the new!

The old time barbershop has changed to a full service salon. To enjoy once again the old-fashioned tender loving care that Mom and Grandma gave you, call Lynda or Janette at the Silver Scissors. They are pampering specialists!

More signs of the past .... antiques, handmade crafts (primitive and traditional), old-fashioned root beer floats, health and beauty - all housed in Aurora's fire station.

Signs of the Past!

A Look to the Future

Find it all in our little town that's

"A Bit Old Fashioned"

Friday, March 26th ................

Saturday, March 27th .............

Sunday, March 28th ...............

Ready, Set Grow! .......... A little water, a few rays of sunshine, a big dose of TLC and you've created a beautiful garden right in your own home!! And that's just what we at Country ALAmode can help you do!.... "Refreshingly Rustic" best describes us ...... "Rusty" metal garlands, lamps and primitive garden angels lend a whimsical touch. Even Boyds have gotten in the act with the new limited edition "Crumbletons" (not resin, not plush, but sumptin' kinda in between). You "can't beat the Boyds Town in Springtime". The town has really blossomed since fall ..... "Put on a Happy Face" with Graffitie and all the other circus performers. Remember that Graffitie and the Make "Em Laugh clown pin are our Special Event pieces and available on March 31st only. Spring Boyds Specials could take up the whole page but we have a potpourri of ideas designed to make your thumb green and your heart light ...... Candles, flowers, lighted wallhangings and much much more.

One to Grow on .............. Is your manicure less than perfect? Your knees a shocking green? You must be a gardener! The Silver Scissors Salon is well known for Elegant Glass Nails ...... one of the newest and safest nail that anyone can wear and so natural looking. Lynda is an educator for Elegant Glass - meaning she trains salon personnel in this procedure. It's been said that "Gardening is the best therapy in the world". The same can be said for the new "juice bar". Whether you choose to be relaxed or energized - this head message is heavenly. Call Lynda and Janette today ....

If you garden, you think about gardens ........... Thoughts seep into your mind often even when you are nowhere near a garden�..Even if you don't have a green thumb you can create a garden effect ..........in your home or yard with a few new accessories like ..... stepping stones, birdhouses, and much more. Think about using screen doors or other antiques for a unique garden corner. Victorianheirlooms has an all new look for Spring! We are happy to announce the addition of "Designs by Diane" Her custom made gold jewelry will dazzle you. Talk to Diane about creating a one of a kind piece just for you.

Nature soon takes over if the gardener is absent ...... Gerald & Diana at Knapp's Service are waiting to help with your garden and yard needs this summer season. Whether you're a weekend gardener or professional landscaper, Knapp's Service offers a full line of quality outdoor power equipment. Kipling said "No one thinks of winter when the grass is green". Even tho' Knapp's carry a wide selection of snow blowers, they're "thinking green" and that means lawn mowers .... they will not only sell you a new one .... they'll repair your old one as good as new!

Happiness is a garden - Sow and Cultivate it ..... Cutting Edge is ready to create your garden of stitches. Plot your colors and have your designs sewn on your favorite garments for birthdays, weddings, Mother's Day, graduations and more. Let Missy and Margie sew your garden of special memories. Our stitches are everlasting ..... but that's not all we're about. You'll find Crafts by simply Country - homemade jams by Ye Olde Bake Shoppe - rag rugs, woodcrafts and bees wax candles by Underfoot and stamped items by Michele.

One should learn also to enjoy the neighbor's garden, no matter how small ...... Your neighbors are gathering at the Aurora Fire station to show you their New Looks for Spring.

Robyn & Donna (Country Collectibles)
Ceramics by Judy ........... (well known for her painted rocks)
Jack from Farmstead Creations ..................
Jill's Designs ....... (lost art of tatting)
Old Fashioned Refreshments ...........
Diane from Between the Pines ....... (homespun apparel)
Silver Scissors....(What will they surprise us with?)
Country Corner Acres.......(A Gardener's best friend)

One of the most soothing sounds of nature is the laughter of falling water. Watch for our unique water fountains!

Open House Hours:

Friday, March 30th (3:00pm to 7:00pm)
Saturday, March 31th (9:00am to 6:00pm)
Sunday, April 1st (11:00am to 5:00pm)
Bad weather date is following weekend

Visit Aurora "the little town that's a bit old fashioned" for our Spring Open House Weekend. Hours are:

Fall Happenings

AURORA
"THE SMALL TOWN THAT'S A BIT OLD FASHIONED"

WELCOMES YOU

WE DELIGHT IN SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER TO EVERY CORNER OF THE TOWN

Hi Folks,

My name is Elliott. Do you remember me? Lila took me home with her so I could retire, but now she wants me to write to you again so I can tell you somethin 're-e-eally special. It's the 100th Birthday of the Teddy bear and Country Alamode is happy to take part in this celebrations The Teddy bear was named for Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt (you know the guy that was President). The President and some of his men were hunting on November 14,1002, when they came upon a young frightened wild bear that had been tied to a tree. The President ordered his men to let the bear go free. A few days later this bear and the President appeared in a cartoon in The Washington POST A lady named Rose and a guy named Morris (Michtom was, their last name) saw this cartoon and got a big idea - the "Teddy" bear was born! Everybody has a memory of their own favorite tattered Teddy bear, but they don't know the history about it. If you want to learn more - read the Legend of the teddy Bear. What would we do without teddy bears! It doesn't "bear" thinking about! Guess what? Lila's havin' a birthday party - cake and specials galore. There are lots of new Boyds friends waitin'to meet you and the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas are everywhere! The Magic of Christmas has come to our shop once again

......... TheFireStation been decorated for the season! There will be sweatshirts,... ceramics ... hand crafted bears,& snowmen ... crocheted doilies & afghans ... personalized picture framing ... and even painted rocks. You know what? That ain't all ..... Want to feel good all over? Have Merry from the Silver Scissors work her Magic with a massage. Speaking of Silver Scissors, Lvnda and Janette will be hangin' out and helpin' out! There will be lots of food, contests and entertainment. What fun! A contest to create the ultimate gingerbread house will be on Friday night at 6:00. 'Dale Greimann, Scott Dryer, Dan Fox and Phil Steffen from the E.B. Schools will compete against our local guys! Can't wait to see who wins!! Music, music, music. "The Sweet Adelines" , the "Melody Morns" and the "East Buchanan School Concert Choir" will fill the air with the sounds of Christmas on Sunday starting at 11:30. Somethin' for everyone at the Aurora fire station.

Missy & Margie at the Cutting Edge have lots of holiday ideas .... Nope, don't go there for your hair. They're a shop that can embroider almost anything you' got. Talk about Magic, their new machine works wonders. So stop on down to see what's stitchin'! Remember, if you're shoppin' for Christmas make sure you order by November 30th. Missy and Margie have invited lots of friends who will be

settin'up shop at the Cutting Edge that day! Some will be selling toys (educational, ya'know), makeup (to make ya' all beautiful!), baskets (for settin' round the house), and yummy breads & soups (samples even)!! Don't miss out! They'll be lookin' for you!

Christmas Open House in Aurora it, the perfect place for ideas, gifts and old fashioned fun - perfect for youngsters and the young at heart who truly believe in the "Magic of Christmas".

Friday, Nov 22nd, 2002 3:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturday, Nov 23rd, 2002 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, Nov 24th, 2002 9:00am to 4:00pm

Happy Birthday! 100 years oldl